Cornerback Jordan Mabin and Wide Receiver Derek Moye

Mabin is the only member of Northwestern’s banged-up secondary who is certain to start. The sophomore cornerback, who will turn 21 on Saturday, will need to contain Penn State’s best receiving threat, Moye, to keep NU within striking distance. Moye has caught 33 passes for 525 yards and four touchdowns in 2009. In crucial third-down situations, quarterback Daryll Clark keys on Moye more than any other Penn State target.

Quarterback Mike Kafka and Middle Linebacker Josh Hull

Keeping the chains moving, especially on third downs, will be vital to the Wildcats’ chances of competing with the Nittany Lions. Penn State does a good job of forcing opposing offenses into three-and-outs. Kafka’s arm and legs will go a long way in keeping NU’s drives alive and forcing Penn State to sustain long drives. Hull leads Penn State with 79 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, to go along with two sacks. He’s a physical, downhill presence in the running game, but has also picked off two passes this year.